Yengeçler

Yengeçler, decapod crustaceans within the order Decapoda, subclass Crustacea, are commonly known as crabs. They are characterized by their broad, flattened bodies and a hard exoskeleton called a carapace, which provides protection. Most yengeçler have ten limbs, including their claws (chelae), which they use for defense, feeding, and communication. Their lateral or downward-facing eyes are often on stalks, providing a wide field of vision.

Yengeçler inhabit a wide range of environments, from freshwater and terrestrial habitats to marine ecosystems. Marine species are abundant on sandy, rocky, and coral reef substrates, while some species are adapted to estuaries and mangroves. Their diet varies, including algae, mollusks, small fish, and detritus, depending on the species and habitat.

Reproduction involves the female carrying fertilized eggs in her abdomen until the larvae hatch. These larvae, called zoea, are planktonic and undergo several molts before transitioning into juvenile crabs and eventually mature adults. Yengeçler play an important role in their ecosystems as scavengers and predators, contributing to the nutrient cycle.

Yengeçler have social behaviors such as territoriality and mate selection, and many species display aggressive interactions. Some crabs, like the iconic coconut crab, are notable for their size and impressive abilities, such as climbing trees or breaking open hard shells.

Humans harvest yengeçler for food, with species like the blue crab and mud crab being economically significant in various regions. Overfishing and habitat destruction pose threats to some populations, emphasizing the need for sustainable management practices to preserve these ecologically important crustaceans.